Bloom & Blood

by Eva Chase

Once, I destroyed my fated mates. This time I'm going to save them.

One moment, I'm living my downtrodden disowned, outcast, and barely scraping by.

The next, I'm wrenched into an alternate universe where I'm rich, privileged—and dead.

The murder isn't public knowledge yet. If I pose as my spoiled other self, I can infiltrate the upper echelons of magical society to flush out my own killer.

If only I didn't walk into Luminary Academy and find myself face to face with my worst my fated mates.

These formidable men have no idea I'm their destined match—or that I ruined their lives in my own reality. At best, they see me as a rival. At worst, a heartless enemy.

But our fractured connection keeps pulling us closer despite my efforts to resist.

I need to expose the murderer and leave this world before our bonds can spark. Because no matter how much my would-be mates torment and crave me, they have no idea how much blood I have on my hands.

One wrong move, and I'll be the death of them... again.

*Bloom & Blood is the first in a new urban fantasy series with tangled mate bonds, morally grey men who yearn their hearts out, and a fierce heroine determined to set every wrong right—starting with her own.*

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose

528 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 8, 2026

About the author

Eva Chase is an Amazon bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She grew up on a steady diet of magic, mayhem, and romantic angst, and brings plenty of all three to her stories. But no need to fear the dreaded love triangle—her heroines never have to choose.

Eva's best-known series are Flirting with Monsters, Royals of Villain Academy, and Bound to the Fae. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her family and one velcro-like cat. Visit her online at https://www.evachase.com

Reviews

[Kristian Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! I loved the buildup, the way you slowly get to know the characters. This story starts off with a bang, and there’s a lot happening, all at once, but then it slows down and allows you to truly get to know the characters and the you’re also introduced to the very unique magic system within Bloom & Blood.

At times, I had a little bit of difficulty understanding the magic system and their world and how things work, but as time went on in the book, I think I have a pretty firm grasp on it.

I really enjoyed Elodie’s character, especially with her being thrown into a completely different, alternate universe. She was tough, but with a soft heart, and reading about her inner struggles while dealing with being in a completely different world/alternate universe, made me just want to hug her at times. The loneliness and isolation she felt, while trying to solve the mystery of who murdered her “other” self just made me feel so sad for her, on top of her also having to navigate staying away from her fated matches.

The book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I’m so excited to read the next book!!

[Bronte Readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honestly hooked from the start. The whole concept of Elodie being ripped from her reality and thrown into another one to solve another Elodie’s murder while pretending to be her?? Wild. I loved the mystery side of it and trying to figure out who the killer was while she’s also trying to survive in a world that isn’t even hers 😅

It was also lowkey heartbreaking seeing her deal with everything she left behind in her own reality so early on in the book. You could really feel that emotional pull while she’s stuck trying to navigate this new life and all the people in it.

There is A LOT going on in this book though. Between the alternate universe, the elites/powers, the school setting, the murder mystery, the multiple POVs and the why choose romance… at times I definitely felt like I had to really concentrate to keep up with everything that was happening 🤯 Sometimes it felt a little overwhelming and I had to slow down to make sure I understood it all.

But honestly the story itself is super intriguing and unique. The whole parallel universe storyline kept me invested and wanting to know what was actually going on. And those last chapters??? 👀 They definitely made up for the moments where my brain was working overtime trying to piece everything together.

Overall I really liked it and I’m excited to see where the story goes next. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book because I NEED answers

[AbbieReads3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨ AMAZING!! I was hooked from the first page!! Poor Elodie is ripped from her reality to solve another Elodies murder whilst pretending to be her!! Not only was it thrilling whilst she was searching for the murderer whilst also evading her mates in this reality, it was also heartbreaking for the life and people she’d left behind! The ending was incredible and I’m so excited for the next book!!!

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated mates
Why Choose (MFMMM)
Murder mystery
Hidden identity
Magical academy
Cliffhanger ending
Multi POV - 1st person

Duet narration - Rose Dioro & Stephen Dexter
Both are fantastic narrators.

This is book one of a new series and there is a cliffhanger ending leading into book two.

In this story we follow Elodie who is our FMC and four fated mates. The story is captivating and has twists that you do not see coming. Each character intrigued me. Elodie must solver her own murder whole trying to fight off the draw to her fated mates in this timeline. She can't seem to stay away from them. The plot gets thicker and we are left with questions in the end of book one.

This was my first Eva Chase book and I found her writing to be very interesting. I am looking forward to reading more in this series and others. I would recommend this to any fantasy reader.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC via BookSirens (thank you! 💕), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Where do I even begin? I loved everything about this, Eva achieved a perfect balance of romantic tension and high stakes murder mystery plot that had me binge reading the second half in one sitting and kept me up until 1:20am last night! I have no regrets. 🤭

The story jumps right in as it's the anniversary of Asher's death, and Elodie and her remaining mates honor him. I didn't immediately absorb all the info we're given on Cole, Salvatore and Byron but it turned out not to be a problem, because the night ends with Elodie being transported into an alternate universe, where their relationships don't exist (yet 😏).

Her aunt Daphne dragged her to this universe to solve the murder of the AU's Elle, and Elodie has no choice but comply in what's basically a hostage situation. If she wants to be sent back to her own life, she has to figure out why this world's Elle was disposed of, and the easiest way to do that? Is pretending the attacker didn't succeed in the first place, and tempt them to try again… 😲
On top of that Elodie needs to navigate the rest of her new family, steer clear of her matches AND figure out the secrets this Elle was keeping, because despite all that polished exterior, she seems to have gotten tangled up in something rather dark. 😱

The multi POV (with focus on Elodie) and small flashback moments made it impossible not to feel for all of them. Elodie's struggle to accept that she's temporarily stuck in this world, where she cannot trust anyone and has to adapt from being a nobody to being queen bee is absolutely understandable.
The people who used to look down on her are now her closest friends, and she hates having to blend in with them to keep up appearances. The upside? Being a mean girl might be the only thing helping Elodie fend off her matches, who soon start gravitating towards her like moths to a flame. 🔥

Every encounter with Asher, Cole, Bryon and Salvatore is emotionally loaded, because Elodie has to keep reminding herself that these men are not her matches although the likeness is undeniable (much like their fated pull toward each other). And oh boy they are each intense in their own ways. I cannot pick a favorite, and will dive right into the bonus chapters now. 🥹

I cannot wait for the next book in this series! 👏

[Katarina Väisänen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness, Eva Chase, you’ve done it again! As a massive fan of reverse harem books, especially those with fated mates, Bloom & Blood did not disappoint in the slightest. This was a perfect start for the Second Fate of Elodie Devine series, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next part.

Elodie Devine’s situation is just chef’s kiss for a morally grey romance. One moment she’s struggling, disowned, the next she’s flung into an alternate universe where she’s rich, privileged, and (plot twist!) already dead. Her mission to pose as her spoiled other self, infiltrate Luminary Academy, and flush out her own murderer is an intriguing plot that had me hooked. But the real emotional gut-punch comes when she walks into the academy and finds her fated mates, the very men she destroyed in her own universe, alive and well, seeing her as a rival or enemy. My heart just ached for her impossible dilemma.

The MMCs, who don’t yet know she’s their destined match, are everything I crave in morally grey men. Their fractured connection with Elodie keeps pulling them closer, and you can practically feel their yearning and confusion. The tension of Elodie resisting their bond because of the blood on her hands, knowing she could be the death of them again, is so compelling. The character dynamics are phenomenal, promising an incredibly deep and tangled mate bond journey.

This book was great! It’s brimming with potential, and the intricate world-building combined with the intense emotional stakes makes for such a rewarding read. However, and this is purely my personal preference as a sucker for emotional hurt, I would have found this book absolutely perfect with just a little more overt angst and drama. I love when the characters are put through the wringer a bit more, tearing at my heartstrings. But that is a tiny nitpick for an otherwise fantastic story.

Eva Chase has crafted such an intriguing plot, and the setup for Elodie to save her fated mates in this new universe is brilliant. My heart is already breaking for Elodie and the MMCs, and I am so hyped to see where things go next!

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you watch Loki and get obsessed with alternate timelines? Then this book is absolutely for you. Elodie is thrown into a timeline where her four mates still exist, but their bond with her doesn’t. They know her… just not this version.

In her original world, her mates are drowning in grief after losing one of their own. Elodie is carrying the crushing secret that she killed him. It reads like an accident, but the guilt is suffocating. Before she can face any of that, she’s pulled into an alternate reality where she is dead under suspicious circumstances. Her aunt promises to get her back to her timeline if she can help solve who killed "Other Elodie". In the meantime, she vows to avoid her mates.

There are four mates:

Asher - The one that died. Her best friend. Cole's brother

Cole - her professor

Salvatore - part of a mafia family.

Byron - Heir. But in her world, he gave it up for her.

What makes this alternate world so compelling is how different her mates are without their bonds. The softness, the devotion, the instinctive protectiveness she once knew is gone. In her world, all the men are better versions of these unbonded men, something she can't help but notice. Even without their bond, something in them is drawn to her . It's the pull they can’t explain and she keeps trying (and failing) to resist. The tension builds beautifully as each of them starts to notice that this Elodie is nothing like the girl they knew.

I’m giving this 3.75 out of 5 stars. I loved the premise, the tension, and the emotional emotional messiness of the alternate timeline setup. A tighter pace would’ve made the twists hit even harder. Still, the mix of mystery, magic, and complicated bonds kept me fully invested. Looking forward to the next one.

Tropes:
-MFMMM (no mm)
-Timeline bending
-Fantasy
-Mystery
-Fated mates/Unbonded mate tension
-Grief & death
-Cliffhanger (juicy one)
-🔥🔥 of 5 spicy. I believe there's one scene
- Slow burn, slow build

[Blendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I will be so honest with you...it took me a good minute to get into this book. There is a lot of world building and the magic system is a bit convoluted...so I was rereading passages, and well, frankly, I wasn't feeling the FMC. She was unlikable to me, and I was having a hard time caring about her, like, at all. However, I've read some of Chase's other books, and I liked them, so I made myself continue, and I am so glad that I did.

IMO, this book really picks up around the 50% mark. The premise of the book is so interesting--I have not read one like it. Yeah, I've read some similar tropes, but nothing quite like this one. I'm actually a little on the fence with how to feel about the harem--and you have to read the story to understand why that is. It's a unique position for me to be in. I will normally like or not like a harem based on their actions and/or how they treat the FMC, but this one is not about that at all. I know I'm being super vague, but my brain isn't too sure if I'm allowed to like the guys or not, hahaha, and I'm trying not to spoil the book. Listen, just read it so that you can talk to me about it and let me know if you feel the same way!

So, thus far, this one is reading like it will be an mfmmm series. There are a couple of spicy moments in this book, but this one is definitely more plot driven, so I'm anticipating the heat to pick up in the next book. There is no OW drama....but there might be some "other man" drama if you consider the fact that Elodie has other mates from 'her world' and though the guys she's getting close to are technically the same guys, they are still different people since they are from different dimensions--if that makes no sense, sorry! You really have to read it to understand..

Overall, this is a fun new concept that I'm really intrigued by. The book ends on a cliffy, so be prepared for that, but if you love fantasy RH books, you should definitely give this one a go.

[Blaire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a big why choose fan so give me one and also make it fated mates in an academic setting and I’m usually going to be all in. The premise of this book sounded so good. I envisioned more of a Sliding Doors movie moment than what we actually got which was the removal of one Elodie straight from her reality and shoved into a completely different dimension. Ok that’s cool I’m still intrigued so I keep going.

From here Elodie is tasked with finding Other Elodie’s killer while trying to avoid her matches who have no clue they’re fated all while drawn to each other because yeah…fate. Elodie’s real past is shown in flashback snippets that give us a small glimpse at her real life while she digs to discover what could have caused her murder.

Here is where things got really convoluted. There was a lot to keep straight. Lots of characters. Lots of characters while also duplicated across dimensions. Unnecessarily complicated magic system. A murder mystery. A five way romance. Real Elodie’s backstory. I’m left feeling like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. My focus was constantly being redirected at every moment. I felt like I couldn’t get invested in any of the MMCs from either dimension because where do real Elodie’s loyalties lie?

I really wanted to like this. Again the premise sounded so good. It’s the execution that was shaky. This could definitely be a case of letting the story cook. We could get the second book and get more clarity but I struggle with feeling any connection to these characters or this story to entice me to keep going. Whomp.

What’s inside:
- why choose
- magical academy
- fated mates
- multiple dimensions
- murder mystery
- mild spice

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this book as an arc and read as part of our why choose book club. Was very excited for this but it missed the mark for me (as a solo book - as a series I’m still curious where it could go!)

My overall feeling was that it was a good set up book for the plot and characters, especially in 2 different realities semi intertwined. Being kidnapped in another reality to solve the murder of her alternate self had me so intruiged!!!

However, most of the book is spent introducing/unravelling the plot x2, high society/class politics, mates x2, magic system and differences between the two realities - and then by the end you really don’t find out the solution to her full powers, her aunts powers, what happened in her original reality or what happened in the alternate reality. There are definitely clues but no resolution. The book also ends on a huge cliffhanger - which I would have hoped to have been more like the 70% mark of the book, instead of the lead up for another book.

This book is framed as a why choose, but to me it’s more of a build up for a why choose as you don’t see the fmc with her mates quite yet besides in snippets of flash backs of a reality that we arent in. I enjoyed the mates who did give into the mate pull but was hoping for more of the actual relationships with the mmcs.

I am curious to know what happens next, so I will pick up the next book when available!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much @authorevachase for the stunning paperback. I’m already obsessed and need the rest of this series ASAP. 🫶

🦋Why choose (MFMMM)
🦋Fated Mates
🦋Magical Academy
🦋Hidden identity/heroine undercover
🦋Murder mystery
🦋Morally grey characters
🦋Touch her & ☠️

A true page-turner!

The first in a reverse harem urban fantasy series about an underdog heroine who's dragged into an 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 where the other version of her was rich, privileged and is now dead. She must 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 while avoiding the men who don't know they're her fated mates, before she ruins their lives all over again... 😉

I stayed up way too late finishing this because I couldn’t put it down. The murder mystery element had me hooked, and the writing style made it so easy to sink into the story. The academy setting? Immaculate especially with those sharp, mean-girl dynamics layered in.

It’s multi-POV but primarily follows our FMC, Elodie, and I loved being in her head. This first book leans more into plot and setup than spice… there are a few 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐲 moments, but it’s clearly building toward something bigger with her mates in the rest of the series.

🦋 Add this to your TBR if you love academy drama, hidden identities, and “touch her & ☠️” energy.
4.5 beautiful stars!

[Midnight Tails and Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up for audio quality and unique premise.

Bloom & Blood delivers a premise that is immediately gripping and just a little chaotic in the best way. Elodie being ripped from her own life and dropped into another version of it to solve her own murder is such a strong hook, and it had me locked in from the start.

The audiobook adds another layer to the experience. Rose Dioro and Stephen Dexter perform in duet, and while both are solid, Dexter’s voice stands out with a richness that makes his chapters especially engaging. That said, the structure does not always translate cleanly to audio. The flashbacks in particular are not clearly signposted, which made some transitions feel disorienting and harder to follow.

This is a very slow burn, with the romance taking a back seat in favour of world building and a sprawling, complex mystery. There is a lot going on. Alternate realities, magic systems, multiple timelines, a why choose dynamic and a murder investigation all competing for attention.

I only wish we were given more answers. Just as things starts to get really good, the story ends, leaving more questions than breadcrumbs. I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for the audio of book 2 😂

[Shelby Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC received from Author
I absolutely loved Bloom & Blood! The interdimensional twist made the story feel so fresh and unique, and there were multiple turns I genuinely didn’t see coming.

One of my favorite parts was getting to know Elodie as a character, especially seeing how one pivotal moment created two completely different versions of her. It was so interesting to watch how, despite their differences, so much of her core motivations and moral compass stayed the same. That contrast added a lot of depth and made the story feel even more layered.

I also really enjoyed the multiple POVs. Being able to see inside the heads of other characters and understand their internal motives made everything feel richer and more immersive. It added so much tension because you could piece things together in a way you wouldn’t be able to from just one perspective.

I really appreciated the slow burn too, it wasn’t what I expected since the bond was already there at the beginning, but it made everything unfold in such a fun, addictive way. The pacing kept me hooked, and I found myself not wanting to put it down.

Such an engaging, twisty read, with a one heck of a cliffhanger and I’m already PUMPED for the next one! 🔥📖

[Amara F · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

Wow, I was not ready to get so emotional at the very beginning. Like dang, my heart. I love how you got a little bit of info, just enough to tease you and get invested and then you get swept into the story of the parallel universe.

There is a lot going on, so much at times it’s hard to understand/keep up. When you’re dealing with a complex storyline, it’s best to keep things less complicated. This story has alternate universes, multiple storylines and POV, a world with power, elites, add in a school, why choose, murder mystery etc etc, it starts to feel overwhelming and convoluted at times. However, that could just be me because, I’m horrible at retaining complex stories. Lol

Don’t get me wrong though, the story is super intriguing and unique. It’s like the butterfly effect, meets outlander but with alternate universes and why choose. Side note, what’s up with all the cryptid mentions? lol

I freaking loved it it. 4.5 stars. I need the second book asap. I’m a sucker for a good why choose book. I didn’t write that much cause I couldn’t put the book down.

[FabledReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this a masterpiece? No. Was it addicting and a hell of a good time? HELL YES.

I’ve never been a huge fan of alternate realities, but this story did it well. That could be because it didn’t get into the details and nitty gritty science stuff. In this story, Elodie ends up being dragged into an alternate reality to find out who killed the “Other Elodie” of the reality that she now finds herself in.

The author focuses a lot on the characters and little on world building. Since this is an urban fantasy in a world much like ours, there isn’t a lot that needs to be explained. But I would like to know more about the magic system and how it works. What are all the possible glims (powers) that someone can get? Is it all random? And what about the voids that are out destroying the world?

I know that this is only the 1st in a series and that more information will probably come up in later books. But I ate this one up SO quickly and I want the rest of the series now, please and thank you.

You will enjoy Bloom and Blood if you like:
🖤Why Choose - MFMMM
🗡️Murder Mystery
✒️Magic Academy
💫Fated Mates
🌌Alternate Reality

[Liz (this_scorpioreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
4.75⭐️
Bloom and Blood by Eva Chase

Obsessed!!!!! To say I inhaled this book is an understatement!

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced listening copy as well as a beautiful paperback and e-arc, and thank goodness I did as I could not put this book down.

Elodie Devine, is ripped from her reality and thrust into another, torn away from her mates and tasked with finding her own killer before they strike again.

There’s a really interesting magic system, academy setting with all its pretentious flaws, and a cat and mouse game with her killer.

It’s equal parts murder mystery and angst as she tries to resist the draw from her mates in this reality and heartbreaking at the same time for the mates she has lost.

Utterly addictive, the push and pull reaches a tantalising crescendo and I’m left desperately needing book 2 right now!

The audio? It’s duet narration and it is on fire 🔥, soo good - if you love audiobooks, why choose paranormal romance then this is a series you NEED!

Thank you to the author for the advance copies for review

[Sparkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa baby! I absolutely lovedddddd this story. I forgot what the story was about so I was literally just blind reading. It is a modern day romantasy mystery? Lol but no fae, weres etc. just humans with magical abilities. How the story started to the immediate twist drew me in. It’s lowkey a why choose with 4 “matches”. Now I will say I considered taking half a star for the over use of the term “my match” bc at this point just go ahead and say mate bc it’s just as annoying 😂 but the story line was so good that I’ll allow it. I could not put the book down or it was a perfect distraction to not do my work either or 10/10 recommend. This might be the only book I don’t remember the FMC pmo or annoying my nerves honestly. Omg wait let me think about this yea at no point did I think omg stop wallowing. Also I really appreciate the underlying messaging in the book the parallels to the socioeconomic issues in the US (it’s probably in other countries but I can only speak on what I know) it does end on a “cliff hanger” but it is tolerable & doesn’t make you want to pull up to Eva’s house 😂

[Sarah | sarah.onemorechapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva!! You’re just going to drop that bomb of a cliffhanger & make me wait for book two?!

This was my first time reading a book by Eva Chase and it won’t be my last. I’ll be counting down the days until the release day for book 2. I need answers!

The fmc Elodie is thrust into a new reality where she’s tasked with finding who killed her doppelgänger. She’s ripped away from her matches and can only be sent back to them when she completes her mission. And in this reality she’s been forced into, the men she loves in her world, hate her in this one.

That’s all I’m going to say in fear of revealing spoilers. The plot was so fresh and interesting it pulled me in and I didn’t want put it down.

Only complaint is one of her mates talks about having “relations” with a distant cousin. Cringe. Felt a bit Appalachian but I was already too invested in the story to stop reading lol...

Thank you Eva for the advanced copy! I’m so grateful you reached out.
3.5⭐️| no spice
•fated mates
•bully romance
•why choose
•paranormal

[✨Gretch✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

Elodie is just trying to get by in life with the three Matches that she has left. She killed one Match already, however the others don't know. When you find your Match(s), you unlock a great power. No one knows how the power will manifest until it's already awoken. Most people don't find their Match until after school, but Elodie is lucky in this timeline. Well as lucky as she can be that is. But it all changes when she is suddenly ripped from her timeline, and thrust into a parallel one. This Elodie lives a great life. She is rich, popular, and in the top ranks of her class. But the problem is, she is dead. Other Elodie's aunt used a great deal of magic to bring our Elodie to this timeline. She wants Elodie to help find who had it out for Other Elodie, but no one can no. Sounds simple enough, but she also has to stay away from all her Matches - this Elodie hasn't sparked with them yet. Staying away isn't easy, especially when they keep getting drawn to her like never before.

This was a fantastic read! I really loved the premise around Matches/Mates and how the magic system in this world is different they many of the others I've read. I enjoyed the mystery/thriller aspect of her playing cat and mouse with Other Elodie's potential killer. Plus her trying, and sorta failing, at avoiding the guys, making it a delicious slow burn? I LOVE IT AND I NEED MORE. This series has my attention, and I can't wait to read the rest as it is released!

[Cassiereadsromantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Eva Chase book and wow—I completely get the hype now. With urban fantasy quickly becoming one of my favorite genres, add in an academic setting, murder mystery, and why choose elements, and I was instantly sold. And it absolutely delivered.

I combo read and listened to the ALC, and honestly I can’t even pick a favorite—both were so immersive. The story hooks you right away with Elodie being thrown into an alternate reality where she’s already been murdered, and from there it just keeps building. The Bloom vs. Blight magic system felt fresh and unique, and the multiple POVs really let you connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The tension, the twists (some I genuinely didn’t see coming), and the high-stakes mystery kept me fully invested the entire time. And that ending?? I love a good cliffhanger and this one delivered. I already know the next book is going to bring even more romance, angst, and yearning—and I need it immediately.

[Emily Hourihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ending. I loved how we got alternate realities. I also loved the unreliable narrator. I loved the mystery of the book.
I loved how Elodie and Tor got together. I also loved how all the guys meet together. I loved how Elodie got to kill Kenneth. I also did not expect a mafi urban fantasy romance. I also loved the academy. I loved how strong Elodie became in the end compared to the beginning. I also loved the writing and the pacing was great. The world building was great. I also loved Elodie’s family, and how they played a part in the book. I loved how Tor and Elodie are hopefullly mates. I loved the why choose aspect. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Especially after the cliffhanger. Overall, a great read. I will definitely read more of Eva Chase’s works in the future.

[mirian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this new book from Eva Chase! Absolutely loved it!
This story follows the FMC Elodie, she's pulled into an alternate universe to solve her own murder. That there alone definitely sucked me in. I loved the buildup, the way you slowly get to know the characters and everything that Elodie has to do to figure out who unalived her. I really enjoyed Elodie's character, especially with her being thrown into a completely different universe and trying to navigate everything around her. It showed how strong of a badass she is. You can feel her loneliness at times and the struggle that she has regarding her fated matches being there but not really being hers made me feel so sad for her. The book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I'm so excited to read the next book and this one isn’t even out yet!! I want more!

[Elizabeth Rickards · Rating 5 out of 5]

April 8, 2026!

I was honored to be an ARC reader for the wonderful @authorevachase

I have never had a story that included a main character being drug from their timeline into a different timeline, and then having to solve their own murder (transmigration is always fun)

This book was so so good, I binge read it up until about 1:45 AM this morning (march 6, 2026) and then I finished it this morning after I got up and had my coffee, I haven’t stayed up that late to read a book because I could not put it down in a while. The cliff at the end of this book, I thought there was another chapter but nope!

Eva Chase was the first author that I got introduced to for the why choose genre, and I’m so grateful that I have been an ARC reader for her many times

Thank you, Eva Chase for the enchanting stories, I am so looking forward to reading book 2

[Heather Becht (fantasyromantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SO SO SO GOOD! I went into this book completely blind and it blew my expectations out of the water. The first line of this book IMMEDIATELY hooked me. The ins and outs of the magic (glim) system are so unique and cool, I couldn’t put the book down. This book features parallel realms and realities, similar to Marvel’s Multiverse, and it was so wild to read. Imagine having a doppelganger, and being pulled into their reality to solve their brutal ☠️. I cannot WAIT to continue the series and learn more about Elodie, Asher, Cole, Tore, and Byron. Like I am feral to see what happens after that ending!!!

𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓥𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓼:
✨ Urban Fantasy Romance
✨ Multiple Fated Mates
✨ Morally Gray MCs
✨ Yearning & Pining
✨ Baddie FMC
✨ Multiverse Vibes
✨ Magical Academy
✨ Hidden Identity
✨ Lies & Betrayal
✨ ☠️ Mystery

[Heather E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this new book from Eva Chase! She genuinely knows how to develop characters and plots and create a powerful and enthralling world!

This story follows Elodie, and her matches. She had 4 but one died, and she’s still mourning the loss years later, when she’s pulled into an alternate timeline! People she knew that have died are now alive and those she loved who were alive are unfortunately not in this universe. She finds out her self from the new universe was murderer and has to help her aunt figure out who did it so she can go home.

Eva really takes time to flesh out the characters and give them a depth and backstory that allows you to commiserate with them. It ends on a cliff and I’m impatiently awaiting the next book!

[Inkheart’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloom & Blood by Eva Chase

This book is absolutely beautiful. It grabs you immediately in the first chapter and keeps you hooked until the very last word. The lead characters have their own individual struggles they’re fighting to overcome, along with the main storyline. I think this adds more depth to each character and layers the story even more. The lead female character Elodie’s pain and trails throughout the story are heartbreaking. I found myself crying multiple times. Eva Chase writes such charismatic and relatable characters that you can’t help but connect to them on an emotional level. I would highly recommend this book, as well as having some tissues on hand when you read it.

[Jennifer Arrants · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Fated Mates
Alternate Reality
Magic Academy
MFMMM
Student/Professor
Multiple POVs

Really enjoyed the premise but the magic system is a little bit confusing. Lots of romantic tension. Elodie is pulled into an alternate reality of her life where that version of herself has been brutally murdered. She needs to find out who killed that Elodie and get sent back to her own timeline. In this reality she hasn't sparked with her matches but fate tries to pull them together at every possible chance. For being a why-choose this was very much a slow burn and the romance is minimal (so far).
Reminded me of Isla Davon's Blackened Blade series, which is one of my favorite why-choose romantasy series.

I received an ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for a review.

[Kiwi S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance reader copy of the book for my honest review.

So, I think it started out a little slow, but then it started to get interesting…and all the things she had to figure out along the way, really got me invested in the mystery. And trying to really take a guess at who was involved in the mystery, while also trying to fight urges from the alternate reality, added to the intrigue of the story. When it was discovered who was part of the plot to murder, that was a surprise, but not completely. There was a bit of a hint that it was going to be that person potentially.
Overall, great story, but I’m mad that it’s over and now i have to wait for the next one!

[Cwillreadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: This was everything I wanted from a why choose fantasy mystery. I am so, so curious to read the next book already and this one hasn't even come out yet 😭

The mystery: gripping, I had some leads but still have no idea exactly what is going on

The romances: EEP! The Cole scene in his office had me 🥵

The fantasy: I still have a lot of questions about the magic system and how matching works and so on, but I think that's a good thing. I'm excited to find out more as I continue to read this series.

All in all, I had a deliciously good time with this and read it in basically one sitting. It's giving Crescent City meets Curse of the Gods and I love both of those things 💜

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical murder mystery with multiple mates?! Say less!

Elodie is ripped from her reality and thrown into an alternate one, where she’s told she must pretend to be that reality’s Elodie in order to uncover who murdered her. All while trying to avoid the mates she has in this world so she can find her way back to her own reality… and the mates waiting for her there.

Confused yet? I promise the book makes way more sense than my explanation! I was hooked from the very beginning, and after that ending, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.